Upland Boneset

Eupatorium sessilifolium

Native to:
United States, Virgin Islands

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Asteraceae
Genus:
Eupatorium
Species:
Eupatorium sessilifolium
USDA Symbol:
EUSE3

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
150 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
aug,sep,oct
Bloom Colors:
white

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Caterpillars:
★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★★☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Carmenta pyralidiformis, Three-lined Flower Moth (Schinia trifascia)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: Common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens), Lemon cuckoo (Bombus citrinus), 🛑Rusty-patched bumble (Bombus affinis)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
butterflies, bees

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
prefers woodland edges and clearings

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate readily after cold stratification; surface sow on moist medium.